8 Performances That Totally Deserve an Emmy Nomination

Starting at 11:30 a.m. ET Thursday, the Emmy nominations will be announced for the 67th Annual Emmy Awards, which will air live on Fox on September 20. Of course, September is a while away, so let's focus on more immediate matters: Who's going to be nominated at tomorrow's ceremony? We've created a list of the actors and shows that totally deserve nominations. Do you agree?

1. Taraji P. Henson ("Empire")
The writers responsible for Cookie's one-liners on "Empire" deserve their own Emmys, but only Taraji P. Henson could make the quips come to life in such a colorful, hilarious, and believable manner. With all due respect to the rest of the cast, she is the show, and our Wednesday nights would not nearly be as entertaining without her.

2. Constance Wu ("Fresh Off the Boat")
Whether she's singing along to Ace of Base, rollerblading with her obnoxious Florida neighbors, or finding new ways to save money, Constance Wu's Jessica Huang is the freshest face of this season's TV newcomers. Much like Phylicia Rashad before her (who criminally never won an Emmy), it's time to recognize that these roles don't come along often.

3. Mayim Bialik ("The Big Bang Theory")We said it back in September, Mayim Bialik was the standout performer on "Big Bang" in season eight. Whether expressing delight over Bernadette's pageant past or coming to terms with the heartbreaking realization that Sheldon might never be ready for the relationship she wanted, Bialik stole every moment and scene she was in.

4. Eden Sher ("The Middle")
"The Middle" has never been seen as hip and trendy, even when it's been much funnier than its counterparts (we don't need to name names), but it's about time this long-running ABC show finally got its due, especially with the ridiculously talented Eden Sher. As Sue Heck, she's the awkward girl in us all, the fighter we all try to be, and the role that the Academy has overlooked for years. How can you say no to the performance above?

5. Jane Krakowski ("Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt")
NBC Universal (the studio behind "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt") has made a strong push for rewarding first-year comedy UBK with an Emmy nom, but we're hoping the TV Academy doesn't overlook one of the best characters and performances of it: Jane Krakowski's Jacqueline Voorhees. Whether it's her ridiculous mannerisms or her ability to deliver a laugh while feeling empathy, Krakowski is the unsung hero of this show — and the reason we'll totally need a pick-me-up shopping spree if she doesn't get a nomination.

7. Lily Tomlin ("Grace and Frankie")
As the more outrageous character of the two (the other would be the more-centered Grace, played by the phenomenal Jane Fonda), Lily Tomlin's Frankie could have been as one-note as Phoebe on early episodes of "Friends" was. Instead, she was the stand out. Both eccentric and refreshingly relatable, Tomlin's portrayal makes every scene shine, which was a must considering "Grace and Frankie" didn't really find it's footing until a third of the way through its premiere season.

8. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys ("The Americans")
Despite its tremendous critical acclaim over three seasons, "The Americans" has failed to rack up a single Emmy nomination for best show, actress, or actor. That should change this time around, given the major moments that occurred in season three (for one, Elizabeth and Philip revealing their true identities to their daughter Holly).